Research excellence

81% of our research judged to be internationally excellent - REF 2014

Research excellence

The University of Glasgow’s broad-based excellence agenda has been recognised by the Research Excellence Framework 2014. Our percentage of world-leading research has doubled to 31% since the last assessment in 2008.

The power of our research places us 12th overall in the UK and 2nd in Scotland. This is consistent with our place as a world top-100 university.

The percentage of our research judged to be 'internationally excellent' or better has risen from 56% in 2008 to 81%. This improvement has been achieved across all four colleges of the University and reflects a high performance across an exceptionally wide profile.

What is REF?

The Research Excellence Framework is (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK Higher Education Institutes. REF 2014 assessed research carried out from 2008 to 2013, providing a detailed profile of activity across the UK. The assessment measured the quality of academic output alongside its impact on the economy, society, public policy, culture and quality of life. It is a recognised indicator of research quality, influencing student choice and the distribution of public funds for research.

Research Excellence by College

Research Excellence by College

College of Arts

College of Arts has excelled in the delivery of impact, a world-class research environment and increased grant capture. As such, it was judged to have delivered 32.5% of research that was of 'world-leading' quality, rising to 42% for its impact.

Strategic investment, innovative training programmes and increased grant-capture has led to a major increase in the volume of world leading research in the College of Arts.

Areas demonstrating research excellence across all aspects include

Celtic and Gaelic

English and Scottish Language and Literature

History

Communication, Cultural and Media Studies.

The Centre for Cultural Policy Research has been recognised as a world-class leader in analytical, theoretical and empirical research that directs and informs public debate on cultural, communications and media policy in Scotland, the UK, the EU and globally.

College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences

83% of research was assessed as 'internationally excellent' or better. 64% of its impact was considered to be outstanding.

Submissions in Clinical Medicine were ranked 6th in the UK and 2nd in Scotland, cementing our world-class reputation for studies into cancer, cardiovascular, and immune and inflammatory diseases. 40% of this was assessed as 'world-leading'.

Pioneering research has led to the development of new therapeutics and management strategies. This led to 77% of the impact submission being rated outstanding.

Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science was ranked third in the UK and featured strengths in infectious disease, comparative medicine and biology. Through engagement with government, industry and international agencies, the researchers have had a major impact on national and international policies, including the control of TB in cattle and rabies in East Africa. 82% of this submission was deemed outstanding in terms of impact.

The College’s Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience submission also excelled with 44% rated 'world-leading': an evaluation which underlined its grounding in excellence, particularly in systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroimaging and social interactions.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences has had a very strong showing in policy-related research across many of its units of assessment.

Urban Studies came joint first in the UK, with half of their submission being judged as 'world-leading'.

Social Policy came 1st in Scotland, 5th in the Russell Group (the UK’s 24 top research-intensive universities) and 8th in the UK, with over 80% of their research being judged as 'internationally excellent' or better.

Area Studies also came 1st in Scotland.

The College achieved the highest possible 4-star rating in 60% of its impact activity in Social Policy, Urban Studies, History and Law.

Research Impact

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Research Impact

For the first time, this UK-wide Research Excellence Framework (REF2014) has included not only assessment of academic output but also the impact the research has had on the economy, society, public policy, culture and the quality of life.

Our achievements include:

pioneering research in medicine with new drugs and treatments

software revolutionising the design of electric motors

new ways of controlling animal diseases including TB in cattle and rabies

a positive impact on knife crime policy

assisting the transformation of Stirling Castle into one of the UK’s leading heritage sites.